Every day is an opportunity to make a difference. On any given day, all the planning, hard work, energy, or just the hug in the hallway, could be what makes a difference for that one child.”

Ms. Angela Bauer Ekstrom

Second-grade teacher Angela Bauer Erickson has reached the rewarding point in her 26-year career where she sees former students starting careers and raising kids of their own. 

 A graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College with a master’s degree from St. Mary’s University, the payoff of witnessing students succeed in their adult lives has been extremely gratifying. 

 “I wish parents knew how much I love sharing their amazing kids with them!” she said. “During the school year, I really do consider them just as much mine as they are yours.” 

 Part of her undergraduate studies for social work involved training to be a student advocate, coursework that required spending time in a classroom. But as she spent more time with kids one on one, the experience convinced her to pursue teaching instead.  

 “While education has its ups and downs, I stay because of the students,” Bauer Erickson said. “Every day is an opportunity to make a difference. On any given day, all the planning, hard work, energy, or just the hug in the hallway, could be what makes a difference for that one child.” 

 A native of Cannon Falls, she feels Hastings is more of a natural fit for her own family and she enjoys teaching in the same community where she lives and raises her own family. Angela’s children enjoy staying active in sports and school clubs - groups that have also become extended family to her.  

 Bauer Erickson and her family own a hobby farm, which features even more “kids” - baby goats!  

 “The first Christmas we lived on the farm, we decided to buy two Nigerian Dwarf goats for the kids,” she said. “We now breed goats, show them for 4-H, and will some day sell goats, if I ever stop falling in love with each and every one of them.” 

 In addition to caring for her animals, Angela and her husband spend their summer growing a larger-than-life garden.  

 “Thanks to my husband’s work in tending to the weeds, we are able to can veggies, salsa, jam and pickles; just like my Grandma Bauer did,” she said. “Some day, I would love to have my own greenhouse, that I can use year round.” 

 Angela believes that her lifelong dedication to students helps them grow and thrive throughout their educational journey. She is truly invested in this community, and wants to make a positive difference for the families she serves.  

 We love that teachers in Hastings have so much compassion and commitment to helping make our district #200Strong!